As a medium, I deliver messages to people who have lost their loved ones. The details and specifics transmitted in these messages are undeniable. This has strengthened my belief that we do not go far when we pass, that our loved ones are still around to see our life’s journey. Those that experience the passing of an animal companion often question what happens to their beloved friends. Where do they go? Do they go to the same place we do?

Meet the famous Lolita, also known as Tokitae & Toki, now “Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut  or  Sk’ali” her indigenous Lumni Nation name. Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut was captured on August 8, 1970 in Penn Cove, Washington State, USA. She was one of seven young orca sold to marine parks around the world from the roundup of over 80 orcas. Using speedboats and releasing explosives in the water, they forced the orcas into Penn Cove. Babies were separated from their mothers who would not leave their children. Piercing, screaming vocalizations were heard incessantly both above and below water.

Animal lovers have known for years that the creatures we interact with, both at home and in the wild, are sentient, fully aware beings deserving of the same respect and rights we accord to our human brethren. Study after study has confirmed that animals are intelligent, aware, and able to communicate with humans in their own special way. For some, communicating with animals is second nature, such as seen in this moving video of an “Animal Whisperer” calming a panther.